OT: Outraged! Daycare WWYD?

So today when I pick up my 2.5 yr old DD there was a note to the parents saying that "due to new regulations regarding how much children should be outside, we are now going to take them out to play anytime it is above 25 degrees. Please send proper attire for your child"

So, you want my little toddler to play outside in BELOW FREEZING TEMPERATURES??!! IDK about you guys, but I sure as hell down't want to be hanging outside when it's that cold. Anything over 45 degrees would be more reasonable. It's cold and flu season for eff's sake!

Anyway, it says you have to get a doctors note if you want your child to be exempt. So, now, I have to drag my kid down to the doctor, pay the co-pay and get a note saying that she can't play outside during the dead of winter in ILLINOIS!

I'm so pissed and I think it's completely ridiculous! Who the hell set the regulation that 25 degrees is good for a daycare?? The kids start at 15 mos and go up.

ETA: Before anyone else flames me, I am aware that you don't get sick from cold weather.

Comments (322)

I appreciate that my children's preschool takes them outside every day unless it's raining cats and dogs. If it's just a drizzle, they wear raincoats and boots and enjoy splashing. If it's cold, they don't stay out for quite as long. I think this helps them feel connected to nature and learn about different kinds of weather. It's much better than keeping them cooped up inside all the time.

I worked in daycare for many many years here in michigan and we had the rule also. We would have been found in violation of state licensing rules had we been caught not following it.

It's a PITA for teachers too. We didn't like it either. A good 45 minutes (at least) of getting dressed and undressed for 10 minutes of fresh air. But it is good for the kids, a state rule, and they kids do like it.

We had a few parents that would intentionally leave stuff at home in hopes that we would keep their kids in. Didn't happen. We had backup stuff. If for whatever reason we had to keep a child in, it crushed the kid to not get to go outside. It really did. They love playing out there. The last center I worked in had a gym, but most don't, and this is the ONLY way the kids get to stretch and burn off steam.

The adults will get cold just as fast, if not faster then the kids. Remember, most adults aren't wearing snowpants and running around. And there is plenty of supervision for the toddlers on the playground. Where I worked it was a 1 teacher to 3 or 4 kids ratio whether inside or out, so kids getting cold weren't going unnoticed.

Hit up goodwill if you want for a snowsuit and just leave it at the center for them to use.

Oh, and your little one doesn't like gloves and hats because she isn't outside where it's COLD. She will learn to love them when they are necessary.

I say if my kids' school take them out in over 90 degree weather and 100% humdity then your kid can endure 25 degrees.

Meh, I am torn. I don't know what 25 degrees feels like, but I look at the weirdos wearing parkas when it is 60 degrees here. I still buy my kids jackets, because I am so afraid that we are going to get really cold weather and then we would be stuck, so I would say you should always have proper weather clothing for your area for your child. I would let my kids go out and see how they do. If they don't gripe too much then I would just leave it. Hell, I am freezing in the house, but start doing my housework and I want the fans on. So if they are moving I think they should be fine. I am sure your daycare wouldn't let your toddler freeze to death.

And DS loved being out in the snow in 2008. I let him stay out there for as long as he wanted. Then again the kids aren't fond of the heat, so maybe we are living in the wrong area.

I live in MN and starting at preschool level (33 months) they go out everyday for at least a short while when it is above 0. I send extra socks, boots, snowpants, a hat, 2 pairs of mittens, and a scarf every day. My kids love to go outside in the winter, and even though they are older now, they went out almost everyday when they were younger and I never had a problem with it. Of course they won't let them stay out so long they get frostbite! I think they usually are only out about 20 minutes when it is really cold and maybe 30 minutes when it is warmer.

I'm sorry, I am getting a little annoyed with hearing that 25 degrees is not cold. Just because the temp can get under 25, doesn't mean 25 isn't cold. I live in AZ, we've been 120 degrees before, that doesn't mean I'm saying 90 degrees isn't hot.

Word. 25F is damn cold, especially if the sun isn't out and it's windy. But whatever, people always get ridiculous in threads like these, all claiming that they wear shorts when it's 35F and don't need coats unless it's below freezing.

That said, can't argue with the law. I will say though, DD's aftercare program has them go out if it's 32F or higher, and they rarely go out unless it's close to 40F. DD claims it's not too bad, but she's way, way bundled.

--

Swinging with VIGAH since 2004

"Listen here you beautiful bitch; I'm about to fuck you up with some truth." --kenny powers

We are in CT and if we stayed in until it was 50 we'd be inside til March. My kids in elementary school go out every day as long as it's above 25 and not too windy. I don't have a probelm with it, the kids love it. I just dress them warm. They even play outside afterschool too.Gosh it was 35 here the other day and it felt so warm.

Cold does contribute to ki.ds getting sick. It weakens your immune system. They actually pick up the germs in the warm environment but the cold temps get their immune system nice and ready. Thats what the nephrologist told us at least. I hate cold so I dont go out and my son doesnt care for it either so I dont make him go out daily. I dont even encourage it because I hate being out there with him in the cold

--

I'm pretty sure if it's you we're talking about, then my answer will be " It's selfish and disgusting."